This is an example of how to lose a customer when a little bit of give and take could have saved the day.
Today I went to a jewellery tools supplier in the Jewellery Quarter. It wasn't Cooksons - I don't seem to think about them for tools, I only buy bullion and ring blanks off them, it could be something to do with the fact that the trade counter is too small and you have to shout through a plate glass window to make yourself heard which can be difficult when 2 other people are doing the same thing as well, or the fact that the other tool suppliers have nice showrooms with products on display who knows, but, I digress.
I have a 60 day credit account with this other supplier who shall be nameless but if you would like a cryptic clue you wouldn't be far wrong by thinking of two of your auntie's children.
On numerous occasions I have been in and suffered the humiliation when going in there of being told that my account was on stop and that I would have to clear the account before I could have any more goods. Before you get the wrong idea, we are good, regular payers - we may stray out of the 60 day limit occasionally according to them but none the less I wish all my customers were as reliable as us.
I've put up with this in the past and walked out with my tail between my legs empty handed, scuttled back to base, grabbed a check, gone back in and then you have to wait for it to clear before you can have your goods so I always then head over to Walshes, (who are always pleased to see me and know my name!) to get what I can. Walshes don't stock some of the items I use that's why I have to go to my aunties children.
Today I thought forewarned is forearmed and checked the account before I left - last invoice 32 days old - no worries. I got to the supplier, placed my order, they fulfilled it and checked the account. "Oh, you're on cash account now, you're overdue", "No I'm not", I said, "I checked".
"Yes you are, 7th August was the last invoice outstanding and they are waiting for a payment to clear it - you're outside your 60 days and you'll have to pay by credit card"
"That's only about 32 days", I said
"That's what the head office is telling us - you can ring the accounts if you like", he said.
"I'm not ringing her, I can't be ar*ed - I'll go to your competitors instead", I said.
I can't blame the counter staff they are only working to instructions, but I would like to see the head office accounts manager fired!
Obviously this version of events is a little condensed but the upshot is that I was a little bit peeved, and bear in mind I am probably one of the most laid back people you could ever wish to meet, my ex-wife used to say that if I was any further laid back I would be asleep!
When I got back to the office I told my accounts dept. to speak to their accounts dept and she had permission to tell them what she thought of them and when she has finished I want them to close the account. ( She enjoyed herself with that call, for some reason she was in a bad mood and they provided an avenue for her rage
I don't know if there is a moral to this story, I just wanted to share my day
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